The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the sexist and vulgar insult publicly directed by Dr. Boris Havel, professor at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb (FPZG), towards journalist Maja Sever, President of the Croatian Journalists’ Union (SNH) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ). On November 30, Havel posted an offensive post on his X account, prompted by Maja Sever’s participation in the Anti-Fascism Rally held in Zagreb the same day. Such a message constitutes a form of gender-based violence and a serious attack on the professional integrity of the journalist, as well as on the entire journalistic community she represents.
Sexist and derogatory attacks are never acceptable, and it is particularly alarming when they come from an individual employed at an institution responsible for educating future journalists and political scientists. The misuse of sexualized language and insults from a position of academic authority further normalizes the hostile environment in which journalists in Croatia have been working for years.
The SafeJournalistst Network is particularly concerned that vulgar and sexist insults against Maja Sever were shared and commented on social networks and shared among thousands of users, which created an inappropriate public pursuit of our colleague and further undermined her position as a defender of the rights of all journalists, as well as other vulnerable and minority groups exposed to online violence daily.
We welcome the swift reaction of the FPZG Student Association and the condemnation expressed by the Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND). Meanwhile, the Faculty of Political Science has issued its official statement, strongly distancing itself from Dr. Havel’s comments, condemning all forms of sexism, and announcing that it will examine all relevant circumstances in line with the University’s Ethics Code and internal regulations. The SafeJournalists network welcomes this public condemnation but emphasizes that academic institutions are expected not only to formally distance themselves from such incidents, but also to act clearly, consistently, and transparently when the professional integrity of journalists is at stake.
In the context of rising threats, attacks, and gender-based insults targeting women journalists across the region, such statements create additional insecurity and send a dangerous message that insulting women journalists is acceptable. When such rhetoric is voiced from within the academic environment, the responsibility of the institution is even greater. We expect FPZG to act responsibly, take concrete measures, and send a clear message that the academic community will not tolerate such behavior.
Journalists must be able to work in an environment that protects them, not in one that tolerates humiliation and normalizes violence In this context, we expect the Government of Croatia to oppose violence against female journalists, and the judicial institutions to initiate legal measures against the individuals behind the vulgar, sexist, and gender-based insults directed at Maja Sever and all other female journalists in Croatia.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, December 5, 2025
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
